Why our culture should be jealously preserved

Rwanda has a rich culture, envisaged in the diversity of crafts, dance, and strong traditions. Cultural heritage sites throughout the country offer unique opportunities and are rich in traditional context. This is categorically visible in various museums, memorial and historical sites across the country. One thing we need to bear in mind as Rwandans is to know and understand clearly what cultural heritage is, what constitutes it, what are some of the dangers if not preserved or conserved for that matter, and whose responsibility is it. First and foremost, cultural heritage is unique and irreplaceable and this automatically places the responsibility of preservation on the current generation. This takes into account tangible culture (buildings, monuments, landscapes, books, works of art and artifacts) and intangible culture (folklore, traditions, language and knowledge). By definition therefore; Cultural heritage refers to the historical memory of a community that links people to others and their environment throughout time. It constitutes objects, resources and practices that locate a people in the universe giving them a sense of identity through time. These objects and places that constitute cultural heritage become valuable references that help in restoring sense of normality. Here I categorically bring out the role of museums as a cultural emergency relief in preserving culture. As part of the national project that places museums in different provinces of Rwanda, the purpose is to promote cultural heritage and increase regional tourism. Museums show eminent cultural and artistic contribution that tries to restore a sense of normality and helps people to move forward. And the only way to preserve culture is through continued creativity that draws inspiration from tradition as well as modernity. There is need to create awareness of profound cultural heritage that can lead to a reconstructed history, creativity and identity. It is through art and handcrafts that we can be assured of permanent creativity through visual arts (photography, paintings, sculptures) these are authentic living heritage that is renewed continuously. Museums give us a historical memory of the past communities and provide visual study to students. It plays a vital role in education where students or the local population get a chance to see history, feel the art and touch culture. When cultural heritage is destroyed, people suffer a fundamental loss that is not sufficiently recognized. This does not only damage human lives, but also the world’s contemporary heritage. Conflicts and disasters endanger the loss of identity and community cohesion. All in all, when life is little more than survival, there is need for places and objects that give a sense of identity and continuity. Let us embrace our culture as we cherish our museums. More dignity will be earned when we uphold and get to know more about our cultural heritage.